The best a man can get

Far from neglecting their appearance, it seems that men today are spending more money than ever on grooming products.

Men are starting to realise that looking after their skin is not just a girly preoccupation. They’re spending more time and money on their beauty routine than ever before, with the average guy devoting over three hours a week to making himself look and smell divine.

So, clear some space in the bathroom cabinet, ladies, and make way for your man’s pampering products.

Saving face

Male skin is different to women’s, so it’s important to get specially formulated products. Male skin is generally thicker with a rougher texture, has more collagen and shows a gradual thinning with age.

Adult men usually have more oily skin than women, so it’s essential that they cleanse their skin gently to remove excess oil, unclog pores and use a gentle exfoliator.

They should also use a soap that isn’t too harsh. Efficient cleansing is very important to avoid irritation and inflammation – which could lead to possible premature skin aging – especially on skin that is shaved on a regular basis and is therefore more sensitive.

Use a gentle exfoliator twice a week, and apply it at the end of the day, rather than before shaving.

Close shave

Men may shave every day, but practise doesn’t always make perfect. Before you shave, prepare and polish the skin to prevent ingrown hairs and get a smoother shave.

To obtain a smooth rash-free shave, make sure your stubble or hair has been thoroughly wetted with warm or hot water.

Ensure your shave preparation – oil, gel or foam – is thoroughly massaged into the stubble. Lather is irrelevant, lots of foam does not mean a better shave. Use a decent, sharp and clean blade, shave slowly using short strokes and rinse the blade often in hot water.

Don’t press too hard, especially around sensitive areas like the neck. And shave in the direction of your hairs’ growth. Shaving against the grain is the primary cause of razor burn, redness and rashes. Afterwards, rinse the area with cool water.

Avoid aftershaves because they contain alcohol, which dries out the skin. Instead, use a gel or balm to replace moisture.

And consider using a shaving oil, rather than a cream or gel, as these provide a comfort barrier of moisture between the razor and the skin.

Shaving tips

• First, wet your face with hot or warm water. This makes the hair on your face softer and opens your skin’s pores, getting you ready for a closer and easier shave. Even better, try to shave right after you get out of the shower.
• Squirt some shaving gel into your hand, then apply it to your face, making sure to cover the sides of your face, chin, mouth area (around your lips), neck, and throat.
• Press the razor to the area you want to shave (it’s a good idea to start with the sides of your face as they’re easy to handle). Use short, slow strokes and remember to move the razor in the direction your hair is growing. Don’t press too hard but don’t be too gentle. Find the right touch by making sure the razor is cutting the hair and not your skin. You’ll know if you’re being too gentle if you only remove the shaving cream and the hair is still there.

• When the sides of your face are finished, move on to the more tricky spots. For areas like your upper lip/moustache area, bottom lip/chin area, and neck/throat area, you’ll have to work a little. Try to stretch your skin a bit to make a flat surface, and glide the razor over those tricky areas.
• When you’re finished, rinse your clean, smooth face with cold water. If you want to, put on some aftershave. Depending on how fast you grow that beard and moustache, repeat the entire process in one to three days.

(These tips were brought to you courtesy of Gillette)